2.1 Non-verbal
You will have heard the phrase “It's not what you say, it's the way you say it!
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Verbal communication allows you to express yourself, while nonverbal communication enhances and reinforces the effect of your spoken word.
Nonverbal communication is a reliable indicator of the real feelings.
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Consider how the mother will interpret these messages.The mother is sitting in a chair breastfeeding her baby. In each situation the health care worker says, “
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What do you want to communicate?
To be a good communicator you must first pay attention to the speaker. Your posture, eye contact, gestures, facial expressions and short responses are all nonverbal cues that help the speaker to understand whether the listener is following their conversation.
Posture
- Relaxed alertness.
- Body leaning slightly forward.
- Face the other squarely and be at eye level.
- Maintain an open posture (no crossed arms or legs).
- Position yourself at an appropriate distance. This is influenced by cultural and individual differences. Both too near and too far positioning causes anxiety. Generally, in Western cultures, about one metre (3 feet) is about right.
Appropriate body motion
Movements should be in response to what the speaker is saying. Lack of movement signifies the listener is controlled, cold, aloof and reserved. Sometimes the listener may be so in tune with the speaker that their gestures synchronise.
Eye contact
Eye contact allows the speaker to appraise your receptiveness and affords you to 'see' if there are deeper meanings than those being expressed. Eye contact involves softly focusing on the speaker's eyes, occasionally shifting the gaze from her face to other parts of her body, a gesturing hand for example, and then back to the face and eye contact once again.
Repeatedly looking away from the speaker, staring at her constantly or blankly, or looking away as soon as she looks at you are examples of poor eye contact.
Consider cultural differences. For example Australian aboriginal people prefer to avoid direct eye contact.
Minimal encouragers
Minimal encouragers are simple responses that indicate you are 'with them'. They aid the speaker to continue speaking, but don't direct the flow of the conversation. They are usually sprinkled throughout a conversation.
Examples are: mm-hmm, yes, right, I see, then?, go on, yeah, etc... They shouldn't imply agreement or disapproval.
Non-distracting environment
- pleasant, uncluttered room
- turn off television or intrusive music
- do not allow phone calls to interrupt the conversation
- in hospital setting, curtain off the mother's bed; put Do Not Disturb sign on door
- in an office: place chairs away from desk, avoid having a desk between you
- be aware of the mother's need for privacy, seeking a private area or asking others to leave if necessary
Time
The way a person perceives time, structures their time and reacts to time is a powerful communication tool. How you and your conversational partner react to punctuality and a willingness to wait will have an impact on your communication. How long are you or they prepared to listen?
Also consider the timing of your conversation as it relates to other activities for both parties.
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![]() Non-verbal communication is two-wayWhile you are ensuring that your nonverbal communication is congruent with your message and demonstrating effective listening, don't neglect to read the communication signs being given by your conversational partner.
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Note all of the aspects of non-verbal communication being exhibited in this photograph. Did you notice the body motion? Note the eye contact between the two.
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![]() Workbook Activity 2.2Complete Activity 2.2 in your workbook. |
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What should I remember?
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Self-test Quiz
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